Mower suspension system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for independent suspension for a mower, including a frame having a front structural member and respective side structural members, a first front wheel assembly, and a second front wheel assembly. The system also includes a first suspension arm pair having a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, each pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another end to the first wheel front assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm. The system also includes a second suspension arm pair having a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, each pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another end to the second front wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm.

RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent document claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/442,171, filed Jan. 4, 2017. The disclosure of the priority application is fully incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Lawn mowers, particularly self-propelled machines fitted with rotating blades for cutting grass and other vegetation, can produce uneven cuts and transmit unwanted stresses from the terrain to the driver and mower, resulting in driver fatigue and discomfort, mower wear and tear, more frequent repairs, and a shorter mower life. In many typical mowers, the cutter deck is suspended as either a ground-following deck or a floating deck. A ground-following deck typically rides on caster wheels (e.g., a set of two or four caster wheels in many cases) and follows the contours of the ground. A floating deck is often suspended beneath the frame between the front and rear wheels, such as by chains, sets of links and other elements. Other floating decks are suspended in various manners over the ground at a location in front of, behind, or beside the lawn mower frame. The floating deck is raised when skids, wheels, rollers, or other elements attached to the deck contact the lawn surface. The height of a floating deck from the surface being cut is often defined at least in part by the elevation of the mower's frame.

Generally, the intent for such a deck suspension system is to avoid continuing contact with the earth surface. When a cutter deck travels over uneven terrain having a strong grade, the cutter deck can contact the earth surface, and can cause the lawnmower blade(s) therein to scalp the surface being cut. Cutter decks are generally designed to avoid scalping by rising or floating upwardly. This generally works for certain kinds of earth unevenness, but some scalping still occurs on severe terrain. Even if scalping can be avoided, cutter deck height relative to the earth surface can vary widely. This is also undesirable because it results in an unequal height of the cut grass.

A significant number of lawnmowers have wheels that are rigidly attached to the mower frame. Unfortunately, when a mower having such a suspension encounters uneven terrain, the mower frame can respond with significant upward and downward movement. With regard to lawnmower front wheels, many conventional lawn mower designs either rigidly connect the front wheels to the frame as just mentioned or employ a single axle to which the front wheels are attached. In some cases, the single axle can pivot about a point between the wheels, thereby generating slightly improved performance. Whether rigidly secured to the frame or connected to a common axle, such front suspension designs either do not eliminate the undesirable upward and downward frame movement described above, or only do so to a very limited extent. For example, if one wheel of such a mower rises in response to a rise in terrain, the single axle would cease to be parallel with the earth surface, generating forces that bring the frame and cutter deck also out of a parallel relationship with the earth surface. The resulting cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory.

In these and other conventional mowers, improved spring suspension systems are employed to reduce the amount of vertical frame motion when one or more wheels encounter unevenness in the earth surface being traversed. These spring systems improve traction of such mowers by maintaining improved contact between the wheels and the surface being traversed. However, these spring suspension systems can cause or allow the frame to roll relative to the cutting surface, such as, for example, when a mower is turned sharply or navigates a steep hillside. When a frame rolls, a floating cutter deck (and in many cases, even a ground-following cutter deck) rolls with the frame, resulting in one side of the cutter deck being closer to the cutting surface than the other. Consequentially, the cut of the grass is uneven and unsatisfactory.

In some conventional mowers, caster wheels are suspended on linkages which change the camber of the wheels throughout the travel of the linkages. Such suspension designs typically allow the caster wheels to wobble like the wheels on a shopping cart, decreasing mower stability and increasing the likelihood of turf damage.

In order to address cutting quality, rider comfort, and suspension wear problems, many conventional lawn mowers employ suspensions having one or more springs. Although such spring suspensions do represent an improvement and can help to address these problems, significant room for improvement still exists. For example, heavy riders or heavy mower accessories (e.g., grass catchers) tend to exert extra stress on the suspension springs, potentially causing the suspension springs to “bottom out” or to provide a limited range of spring motion. In either case, an uncomfortable ride results because the spring has limited or no capacity to absorb shock. As a result, an increased amount of shock is transferred to the mower and operator. The increase in shock can significantly shorten the life of the mower and can be a cause of more frequent mower maintenance and repair. Substituting a stiffer spring for heavy loading situations is an unattractive solution for many reasons, such as an uncomfortable ride in a light loading situation and additional low-level vibrations transmitted to the frame.

In light of the shortcomings and problems of conventional lawn mowers described above, a need exists for a lawn mower having a suspension system that improves ride quality in a light loading situation, provides improved steering control and traction, while maintaining improved contact between the wheels and the surface being traversed, as well as improved floating cutter deck and/or ground-following cutter deck motion.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a mower is disclosed, the mower including a frame, the frame having a front side and a pair of opposite sides, wherein the front side comprises a front structural member and the pair of opposite sides each comprise a side structural member, a first front wheel assembly, and a second front wheel assembly. The mower also includes a first suspension arm pair, the first suspension arm pair including a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the first suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel front assembly, and further wherein the second suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first front wheel assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm. The mower further includes a second suspension arm pair, the second suspension arm pair having a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the third suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second front wheel assembly, and further wherein the fourth suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second front wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm. Additionally, the mower includes a first side suspension arm, the first side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the first front wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to one of the side structural members, as well as a second side suspension arm, the second side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the second front wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to the other of the side structural members.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an independent suspension system for outdoor power equipment is disclosed. The independent suspension system includes a frame, wherein the frame has an end structural member and a pair of side structural members, each of the side structural members being located on opposite respective sides of the end structural member. The independent suspension system also includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, and a first suspension arm pair, with the first suspension arm pair including a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the first suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel assembly, and wherein the second suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm. The independent suspension system also includes a second suspension arm pair, the second suspension arm pair including a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the third suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second wheel assembly, and wherein the fourth suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm. Further, the independent suspension system includes a first side suspension arm, the first side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the first wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to a first one of the pair of side structural members, and a second side suspension arm, the second side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the second wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to a second one of the pair of side structural members. The independent suspension system also includes a first shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the first wheel assembly, as well as a second shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the second wheel assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling a mower is disclosed, the method including providing a frame having a front structural member, a first side structural member, and a second side structural member opposite the first side structural member, providing a first front wheel assembly and positioning the first front wheel assembly proximate to the front structural member and the first side structural member, and providing a second front wheel assembly and positioning the second front wheel assembly proximate to the front structural member and the second side structural member. The method also includes pivotably coupling the first front wheel assembly to the front structural member with a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm, pivotably coupling the second front wheel assembly to the front structural member with a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm, pivotably coupling the first front wheel assembly to the first side structural member with a first side suspension arm, and pivotably coupling the second front wheel assembly to the second side structural member with a second side suspension arm. Additionally, the method includes providing a first shock absorber assembly, the first shock absorber assembly being configured to absorb shock transmitted from the first front wheel assembly, as well as providing a second shock absorber assembly, the second suspension mechanism being configured to absorb shock transmitted from the second front wheel assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a ride-on mower including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a ride-on mower including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a ride-on mower including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a ride-on mower including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the ride-on mower of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a suspension assembly with 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

In this document, position-identifying terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “top”, and “bottom” are not intended to limit the invention to a particular direction or orientation, but instead are only intended to denote relative positions, or positions corresponding to directions shown when a mower is oriented as shown in the figures.

Although the mowers of some embodiments of the disclosure can be equipped with either a ground-following cutter deck or a floating cutter deck, using a floating cutter deck with a mower having independent suspension requires additional considerations. Rolling of a lawn mower chassis is induced under certain situations. Among them are: (a) when the mower changes direction while traveling forward and centrifugal force acts laterally at the center of gravity of the machine; (b) when the mower traverses a slope and the gravitational force vector shifts direction relative to the plane of the mower wheel tread, and (c) when the mower travels over a surface undulation, lifting or lowering one or both wheels on one side, thereby rotating the mower chassis in space. Conventional mowers typically use wheels that are rigidly connected to the chassis. In these mowers, the chassis cannot roll relative to the wheels; therefore, there is no rolling of types (a) and (b). Other conventional mowers have a pivoting front or rear axle at one end, with an opposing end axle rigidly attached to the chassis. In these mowers, the rigidly attached axle limits the chassis roll which the pivoting axle otherwise permits to the extent the chassis is sufficiently rigid. The mower of some embodiments of the disclosure can include both front and rear independent wheel suspension systems, beneficially minimizing rolling of the machine when a wheel passes over certain small bumps and depressions—type (c) rolling.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of the disclosure related to ride-on mower 100 having a ground-following deck. FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a ride-on mower 100 including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a ride-on mower 100 including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a ride-on mower 100 including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate an embodiment of the disclosure related to ride-on mower 700. The mower 700 can comprise all of the components and structure of the mower 100 with an alternative 4-bar linkage. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a ride-on mower 700 including a 4-bar linkage in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the ride-on mower 700 of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Further, the 4-bar linkage shown in FIGS. 4-5 is shown in FIG. 6 which illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a suspension assembly with 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Other than the alternative 4-bar linkage embodiments of ride-on mower 100 and ride-on mower 700 described above, the following discussion of other components, structures, assemblies, and operating functions and characteristics can be considered equivalent between the ride-on mowers 100, 700.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the ride-on mower 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and the ride-on mower 700 shown in FIGS. 4-5 can include a motor and a motor cover (not shown), a chassis 112, a front frame 114, a pair of front wheel assemblies 122, a pair of rear wheels (not shown), a cutter deck 108, a seat 110, and a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 116. The particular type of ride-on mowers 100, 700 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are presented by way of example only. In this regard, the suspension systems of some embodiments of the disclosure can be employed on any type of riding or non-riding lawn mower and the illustrations and accompanying descriptions presented herein should not be limited by any one or more features, components, assemblies, or functions of the ride-on mowers 100, 700.

In some embodiments, a motor can be mounted to the chassis 112 and covered by a motor cover. In some embodiments, the chassis 112 can be mounted or otherwise coupled to the front frame 114, which in some embodiments can be a separate frame coupled to a rear frame (not shown) in any conventional manner or can define a front portion of a single frame of the ride-on mowers 100, 700. In some embodiments, the ride-on mowers 100, 700 can comprise a single frame 114 upon which the motor is mounted (whether by a chassis 112 or otherwise). In some embodiments, the rear wheels of the ride-on mower 100 can be mounted to the chassis 112 by a pair of rear wheel independent suspension assemblies, although in other embodiments, the rear wheels (not shown) can instead be rigidly mounted to the mower front frame 114, can be coupled to an axle that can be pivoted with respect to the front frame 114, or can be attached to the front frame 114 in any other manner.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the cutter deck 108 of the ride-on mower 100 can be in any location with respect to the front wheel assemblies 122 and rear wheels and with respect to the front frame 114. However, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cutter deck 108 can be positioned between the front wheel assemblies 122 and rear wheels. In some embodiments, the cutter deck 108 can include at least one cutter (not shown) for cutting grass or other vegetation on a ground surface, and in some embodiments can be raised and lowered with respect to the ground surface. In some embodiments, the cutter deck 108 can be a floating or ground-following cutter deck. In some embodiments, the floating cutter deck 108 illustrated at least in FIG. 1 is presented by way of example only. In this embodiment, the cutter deck 108 can be coupled to and suspended from the front frame 114. In some embodiments, connection to the rear independent suspension assemblies can permit the cutter deck 108 to follow upward and downward movement of the rear wheels in response to changing terrain elevation, thereby maintaining the cutter deck 108 in a more stable relationship with respect to the ground surface even as the ride-on mower 100 traverses uneven terrain. For example, the cutter deck 108 according to some embodiments of the disclosure can be directly or indirectly coupled to the front frame 114 of the ride-on mower 100 in a number of different manners, some of which provide different types of cutter deck movement and cutter deck performance. For example, the cutter deck 108 can be suspended entirely from the front frame 114 of the ride-on mower 100, or can be suspended at the front frame 114 and a rear independent suspension system. In some embodiments, the cutter deck 108 can be suspended from the front frame 114 by a front independent suspension system while being suspended from the rear by a frame of the ride-on mower 100. In some further embodiments, the cutter deck 108 can be directly or indirectly suspended from the rear by rear independent suspension systems while being suspended from the front by the front frame 114 of the ride-on mower 100. In some embodiments, the front end of the cutter deck 108 can be substantially unresponsive to upward and downward movement of the front wheel assemblies 122. However, the rear end of the cutter deck 108 can follow the upward and downward movement of the rear wheels by virtue of the cutter deck's connection to the rear independent suspension assemblies. Such connections can be established in a number of different manners, such as, e.g., bolts coupled at one end to respective brackets on the rear end of the cutter deck and to respective crank arms pivotably coupled to the rear independent suspension assemblies. In other embodiments, the cutter deck 108 can be coupled to the rear independent suspension assemblies in any other manner desired, such as by securing chains, cables, links, straps, bars, or other elements to the cutter deck 108 and to the rear independent suspension assemblies. However, as will be set forth in further detail below, in some embodiments, the front end of cutter deck 108 may be responsive to upward and downward movement of the front wheel assemblies 122, thereby enabling at least a portion of the cutter deck 108 to follow the travel of front wheel assembly 122 over varied terrain.

With reference again to the embodiment of some embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the mowers 100, 700 can have a chassis 112, a front frame 114 (or in alternative embodiments, a front portion of a main frame), and a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 116, 716. In some embodiments, the front frame 114 can be coupled to the chassis 112 by a plurality of bolts or other threaded fasteners. In some further embodiments, other convention methods of fastening the front frame 114 to the chassis 112 can instead be used. By way of example only, the front frame 114 can be coupled to the chassis 112 by screws, rivets, pins, welding or brazing, inter-engaging elements, and the like, and and/or can be integral with the chassis 112 in some embodiments. For purposes of reference in the following description, a substantially horizontal axis (axis 120 for mower 100 and axis 720 for mower 700) can run through the center of the front frame 114 and chassis 112 to divide the front frame 114 and chassis 112 into two sides. In some embodiments, the front frame 114 can include opposite sides and a front portion or section, each of which are defined by one or more beams, rods, bars, plates, or other structural members. For example, the front frame 114 in the illustrated embodiment is defined by side beams 115 and a front beam 117 coupled together by welds (although any other manner of connecting these elements together can instead be employed, including those mentioned above with regard to connection of the chassis 112 and frame 114). As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the side beams 115 can be substantially parallel to the horizontal axis 120, 720, while the front beam 117 is substantially orthogonal to the horizontal axis 120, 720. However, any other relative orientations of these beams 115, 117 can instead be employed in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, the front frame 114 can comprise side beams 115 that are tubular. In some further embodiments, the front frame 114 can comprise front beams 117 that are tubular. In some further embodiments, the beams 115, 117 can include solid sections. In some embodiments, the beams 115, 117 can include square or rectangular cross-sections. In some further embodiments, the beams 115, 117 can include circular or elliptical cross-sections.

As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the frame 114 of some embodiments of the disclosure can be constructed of a wide variety of structural elements. In some embodiments, these elements include tubular beams as mentioned above. Tubular beams provide a relatively strong and lightweight framework for the ride-on mower 100 compared to other structural members that can be employed. In other embodiments however, the front frame 114 can be constructed partially or entirely of different structural members, including without limitation bars, rods, non-tubular beams having any cross-sectional shape (e.g., L-shapes, I-shapes, C-shapes, etc.), plates, and the like. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, the term “beam” (whether referring to the front beam 117, a side beam 115, or any other beam of the front frame 114) is intended to encompass all of these structural members.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the illustrated ride-on mowers 100, 700 can include front wheel independent suspension assemblies coupled to the front frame 114. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the illustrated ride-on mower 100 can include a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 116 coupled to the front frame 114. Further, for example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the illustrated ride-on mower 700 can include a pair of front wheel independent suspension assemblies 716 coupled to the front frame 114. Although the independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can be different in structure, elements, and/or connection, both independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 in the illustrated embodiments contain identical components and are mirror images of each other with respect to the horizontal axis 120, 720 respectively. In some embodiments, each of the pairs of independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can be connected to a wheel assembly 122, with each wheel assembly including a ground-contacting wheel. However, in other embodiments, the independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can instead have other types of rolling devices, including without limitation rollers, balls, and tires coupled in any conventional manner for rotation and for support of the front frame 114. For example, in some embodiments, each of the front wheel assemblies 122 may include caster wheel assemblies, with the caster wheel assemblies being supported by an axle 124 coupled to an inverted yoke 126. In some further embodiments, other types of rolling element mounting methods are possible, such as a bent axle extending outward and upward from the axis of rotation of the rolling element for coupling to the rest of the independent suspension assemblies 116, 716.

In some embodiments, each front wheel assembly 122 can be capable of pivoting about a vertical or substantially vertical axis. In this regard, in some embodiments, the front wheel assemblies 122 can be pivotably coupled to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 in a number of different manners. For example, in some embodiments, the yokes 126 of the wheel assemblies 122 can be pivotably coupled to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 by posts 128 extending vertically or substantially vertically from each yoke 126. In some embodiments, these yokes 126 can be pivotably coupled to the rest of their respective suspension assemblies 116, 716 in any conventional manner. By way of example only, a seal, washer, and bearings can be received on the posts 128 so that the posts 128 and yokes 126 can pivot with respect to the front frame 114.

Referring initially to the mower 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the mower 100 can include front independent suspension assembly 116 with two pairs of suspension arms, where one pair of suspension arms is positioned pivotably coupling a front wheel assembly to mower 100 on one side of the axis 120, and another pair of suspension arms is positioned pivotably coupling a front wheel assembly to mower 100 on the opposite one side of the axis 120. For example, in some embodiments, the mower 100 can comprise suspension arm pair 144 on one side of the axis 120, and suspension arm pair 146 on the opposite side of the axis 120. In some embodiments, the suspension arm pair 144 can comprise suspension arm 144 a and suspension arm 144 b. In the non-limiting embodiments shown, the suspension arm 144 a and suspension arm 144 b are shown generally parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the suspension arm 144 a and suspension arm 144 b can include a generally non-parallel arrangement. In some embodiments, each of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b can be pivotably coupled to an associated front wheel assembly 122 at a front structural member, such as, e.g., the front of the frame 114. Further, a suspension side arm 148 can pivotably couple the front wheel assembly 122 to the side of the front frame 114. Further, on the opposite side of the frame 114, the suspension arm pair 146 can comprise suspension arm 146 a and suspension arm 146 b. Each of the suspension arms 146 a, 146 b can pivotably couple to an associated front wheel assembly 122 to the front of the frame 114 on the opposite side. Further, a suspension side arm 148 can pivotably couple the front wheel assembly 122 to the side of the front frame 114 on the opposite side to where suspension arms 144 a, 144 b are pivotably coupled to the frame 114. Further, the posts 128 can be pivotably coupled to the suspension arm pairs 144,146 and the suspension side arms 148 on each side of the front frame 114. For example, in some embodiments, suspension arms 144 a, 144 b can be coupled to a joint 136 at one end and to a front plate 150 of the front beam 117 at the other end such that suspension arms 144 a, 144 b are vertically offset relative to one another, and suspension arms 146 a, 146 b can be coupled to the joint 136 and to the front plate 150 of the front beam 117 at the other end such that suspension arms 146 a, 146 b are also vertically offset from one another.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, a mower 700 having a floating deck is shown. However, it is to be understood that mower 700 is not limited to use with a floating deck, and a ground-following deck may be used. In some embodiments, mower 700 may include front independent suspension assembly 716 with two pairs of suspension arms, where one pair of suspension arms is positioned coupling a front wheel assembly to mower 700 on one side of the axis 720, and another pair of suspension arms is positioned coupling another front wheel assembly to mower 700 on the opposite one side of the axis 720. For example, in some embodiments, the mower 700 can comprise suspension arm pair 744 on one side of the axis 720, and suspension arm pair 746 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the suspension arm pair 744 can comprise suspension arm 744 a and suspension arm 744 b. In the non-limiting embodiments shown, the suspension arm 744 a and suspension arm 744 b are shown generally parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the suspension arm 744 a and suspension arm 744 b can include a generally non-parallel arrangement. In some embodiments, each of the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b can be coupled to an associated front wheel assembly 122 at the front of the frame 114. Further, a suspension side arm 148 can couple the front wheel assembly 122 to the side of the front frame 114. Further, on the opposite side of the frame 114, the suspension arm pair 746 can comprise suspension arm 746 a and suspension arm 746 b. Each of the suspension arms 746 a, 746 b can couple to an associated front wheel assembly 122 to the front of the frame 114 on the opposite side. Further, a suspension side arm 148 can couple the front wheel assembly 122 to the side of the front frame 114 on the opposite side to where suspension arms 744 a, 744 b are coupled to the frame 114. Further, the posts 128 can be pivotably coupled to the suspension arm pairs 744,746 and the suspension side arms 148 on each side of the front frame 114. For example, in some embodiments, suspension arms 744 a, 744 b can be coupled to the joint 136 at one end and to the front plate 150 of the front beam 117 at the other end, and suspension arms 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to the joint 136 and to the front plate 150 of the front beam 117 at the other end.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 4-5, in some aspects, the joint 136 can include one or more flanges 138 to which any one of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be coupled. For example, in some embodiments, suspension arms 144 a, 144 b can be coupled to flanges 138 of joint 136 at one end and to the front beam 117 at the other end, and suspension arms 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to flanges 138 of the joint 136 and to the front beam 117 at the other end. In certain embodiments, the ends of suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b that are coupled to flanges 138 are pivotally coupled at or near the respective ends of each flange 138, which may provide for a stable connection between the front beam 117 and the joints 136. However, it is to be understood that the respective ends of suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b may be more narrowly spaced on flange 138 than the distances shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 4-5.

In some embodiments, each joint 136 can take a number of different forms, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, and the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, can be a cylindrical member within which the post 128 is received. Each post 128 can be secured within corresponding joint 136 by a nut or other threaded fastener screwed upon a threaded end of the post 128. If desired, additional hardware can help secure this connection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cotter pins can be clipped to the nut and/or post 128, can be received within an aperture or recess within the nut and/or post 128, or can be coupled to the post 128 in any other conventional manner to prevent disconnection of the nut from the post 128. As another example, one or more washers can be provided as needed to distribute force and secure the connection of the posts 128 to the joints 136.

As an alternative to the use of a cylindrical joint 136 as described above in order to connect the post 128 of each front independent suspension assembly 116, 716 to the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, the joint 136 can be a socket within which an end of the post 128 is received, and can be defined by an aperture in any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and the like. Any conventional joint structure can be employed to establish this connection of the post 128 and wheel assembly 122, each of which falls within the spirit and scope of some embodiments of the disclosure.

An advantage of a cylindrical joint 136 as described above is the ability to receive bearings therein and to house and protect the bearings. In this regard, other elements and structure can be used to enable the wheel assemblies 122 to pivot properly. For example, depending upon the type of joint 136 employed, ball bearings, roller bearings, sleeves or linings made of low-friction material, and other elements can be used as desired (with or without lubricating material). In the illustrated embodiment, two sets of roller bearings can be received within the joint 136, and can be seated within lips, ledges, or other structure of the joint 136. However, any other manner of retaining these and other types of bearings can be used, depending at least partially upon the type of joint 136 employed to connect the wheel assemblies 122 with respect to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716.

In some embodiments, a threaded connection can be employed to secure the post 128 with respect to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716; however a number of other type of connections can be used. By way of example only, the post 128 can be snap-fit, press-fit, or screwed into the joint 136 (or within a collar, lug, socket, or other fitting within the joint 136), and can be assembled on opposite ends or sides of the joint 136 using any conventional fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to protect the joint 136 and its components from dirt, debris, and other foreign materials and to retain any lubricant material therein. To this end, the joint 136 can be capped, received within a boot, grommet, housing, or shroud, and the like.

In some embodiments, suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to the front plate 150 at a common location on the front of the frame 114 (generally at or near the central region of the front beam 117). In some embodiments, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to the frame 114 using a conventional bolt or other fastener, by another common connection, or otherwise. Alternatively, in other embodiments, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to the front of the frame 114 at different locations along the front of the frame 114 (i.e., near or adjacent to the locations shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 4-5).

In some embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or the suspension side arms 148 can be elongated tubular elements. However, in other embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or the suspension side arms 148 can be bars, beams. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or the suspension side arms 148 can include solid sections. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or the suspension side arms 148 can include square or rectangular cross-sections. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or the suspension side arms 148 can include circular or elliptical cross-sections.

In some embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an acute angle therebetween. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an obtuse angle therebetween. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 forming an angle of about 90° therebetween. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 146 a, 146 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an acute angle therebetween. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 146 a, 146 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an obtuse angle therebetween. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 146 a, 146 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 forming an angle of about 90° therebetween. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an acute angle therebetween. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an obtuse angle therebetween. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 forming an angle of about 90° therebetween. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 746 a, 746 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an acute angle therebetween. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 746 a, 746 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 with an obtuse angle therebetween. In some further embodiments, the suspension arms 746 a, 746 b and suspension side arms 148 can couple to the joint 136 forming an angle of about 90° therebetween.

The suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can have any relative length. For example, suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be any length between, e.g., 10 inches and 25 inches, dependent upon the size and model of the mower (and the size/width of front frame 114). Additionally, suspension side arms 148 can also be any relative length such as between, e.g., 20 inches and 30 inches long. However, it is to be understood that the above lengths are only examples, and suspensions arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and/or suspension side arms 148 can be longer or shorter than that which is described. Furthermore, each spaced-apart suspension arm may have a different length than its neighboring suspension arm. For example, suspension arm 144 a may be longer or shorter than suspension arm 144 b, suspension arm 146 a may be longer or shorter than suspension arm 146 b, etc.

As shown, the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 4-5 can comprise different lengths of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, as compared to the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 for example, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b are shorter than the suspension side arm 148, and are shorter than the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-5 for example, the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b are shorter than the side suspension arm 148. As 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b are shown as being shorter than suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, the inward lateral movement of each wheel assembly 122 as it moves through the suspension travel is greater. That is, as each wheel assembly 122 moves up or down relative to changes in terrain, the shorter suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b provide a shorter radius for angular travel for each wheel assembly 122 as compared to the longer suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b. With such a short radius, the inward lateral movement of each wheel assembly 122 throughout suspension travel is increased. Thus, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial to provide suspension arms having longer lengths (such as, e.g., suspension arms 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b) so as to minimize inward lateral movement of each wheel assembly 122 during operation of the mower over varied terrain.

In some embodiments, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148 can be welded to the joint 136. In other embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or side suspension arm 148 can be coupled to the joint 136 in any other manner, including without limitation by brazing, by one or more conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, clips, and the like, by pin and aperture, finger and slot, hook and aperture, and other types of connections, by threaded, press-fit, or snap-fit connections, by inter-engaging elements, and the like. As an alternative to direct connection to the joint 136, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148 can be indirectly coupled to the joint 136, such as by connection to a brace, strut, plate, reinforcement or other element coupled to the joint 136, by connection of the first suspension arm 146 directly to the joint 136 and by connection of the second suspension side arm 148 to the first suspension arm 146 (or vice versa), and the like.

In some further embodiments, suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148 can be supplemented by additional suspension arms (e.g., such as an upper and lower second side suspension arms. Each of the suspension arms 144 a, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms can be coupled directly to the front frame 114 in a number of different manners. In some embodiments, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms can be pivotably coupled to the front frame 114 to enable upward and downward movement of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716. Any type of pivotable connection can be employed, such a ball and socket connection, a pivot and aperture connection, a hinge connection, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other manners of pivotal connection are possible.

Although direct connection to the front frame 114 is possible, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms, can be coupled to plates, bars, rods, or other elements shaped to provide an improved interface between the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms, and the front frame 114. More specifically, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms can be oriented at an angle with respect to that part of the front frame 114 to which they connect, thereby making such a connection more difficult. Therefore, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or suspension side arm 148, and any additional suspension arms of some embodiments described herein can be coupled to elements shaped to better establish an angled connection to the front frame 114. For example, as described earlier, in some embodiments, any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be coupled to a suspension front plate 150 on the front of the front frame 114, while the suspension side arm 148 can be coupled to a suspension side plate of the side of the front frame 114. These suspension front and side plates can be welded to the front frame 114, or can be coupled thereto by fasteners or in any of the manners described above with reference to the connection between the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and the joint 136. In some embodiments, the suspension front and side plates can even be integral with the front frame 114, such as by being stamped, molded, pressed, cast, or otherwise defined by a part of the front frame 114.

Each suspension arm 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b can be pivotably coupled to the front of the frame 114 (and in some cases, to a common suspension front plate 150 or to respective suspension front plates) by a front pivot assembly. In some embodiments for example, the front pivot assembly can comprise ball joints attached the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b by a threaded fastener such as a nut threaded onto a threaded extension of the ball joint, a pair of joint seals, and a bolt passed through apertures in the ball joint and joint seals. If desired, a spacer can be located between the ball joint and the front plate to provide clearance between the ball joint and the front plate. The ball joint can instead be coupled to the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b by being threaded into a threaded aperture therein, by one or more conventional fasteners, or in any of the manners described above with reference to the connection between the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and suspension side arm 148 and the joint 136. Although not required, the joint seals can be employed for purposes of keeping the ball joint free of dirt, debris, and foreign matter. In some embodiments, a bolt can be employed for pivotable connection to the ball joint as described above. However, the bolt can be replaced by any other element received within the ball joint, including without limitation a pin or rod, a headed post, extension, or any other element extending into the ball joint from the front plate 150 or frame 114. In other embodiments, a ball joint socket can be attached to the front plate 150 or frame 114 and can pivotably receive a pin, rod, headed post, extension, or other element attached to the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b. The bolt of the front pivot assembly can extend into an aperture in the suspension front plate 150 and can be secured therein by a nut or other conventional fastener.

As discussed above, the suspension front plate 150 can be shaped to connect the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b at an angle with respect to the front of the frame 114. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a number of different front plate shapes can be employed to establish this angled connection. By way of example only, the suspension front plate 150 can have a wing, flange, arm, tab, or other portions or regions that provide a mounting location disposed at an angle with respect to the front of the frame 114. In embodiments in which both front independent suspension systems are coupled to a common suspension front plate 150 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-5), the suspension front plate 150 can include a plurality of portions or regions providing a plurality of mounting locations disposed at specific angles and with respect to the front of the frame 114. For different suspension and handling characteristics of the ride-on mower 100, the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b in some embodiments can be coupled to the suspension front plate 150 in various provided locations, and differences in position can provide different handling characteristics of the ride-on mowers 100, 700.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the suspension side arm 148 can be mounted to the front frame 114 by a side pivot assembly 170. The suspension side arm 148 can be coupled to the front frame 114 via a side plate. In some embodiments, the suspension side arm 148 can be coupled to a wing, flange, extension, tab, or other portion of the suspension side plate disposed at an angle with respect to the side of the front frame 114 for the same reasons discussed above. In some embodiments, a bolt can be received within a ball joint, joint seals, a spacer, and an aperture in the suspension side plate, and can be retained therein by a nut. The alternative assemblies and elements described above with reference to the connection between the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and the suspension front plate 150 (or directly to the front frame 114 in other embodiments) apply equally to the connection between the suspension side arm 148 and the suspension side plate or front frame 114.

The front and side pivot assemblies can allow the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or the suspension side arm 148 to move in a substantially upward and downward vertical direction relative to the front frame 114. Depending at least partially on any of the lengths of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or the suspension side arm 148 and the location of their direct or indirect connection to the front frame 114, other movement such as curved or horizontal movement can be possible.

Referring still to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the cutter deck 108 may be at least partially coupled to the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 so as to allow at least a portion of the cutter deck 108 to substantially follow the upward and downward travel of the front wheel assemblies 122 as they move over varied terrain. For example, each suspension side arm 148 may include a mounting block 162, which may be attached or affixed to a surface of the suspension side arms 148 through any appropriate means such as, e.g., welding, fasteners, brazing, etc. Pivotably coupled to each mounting block 162 is a bell crank 160, with bell crank 160 being coupled at a first end to a deck height control arm 168 and at a second end to a deck linkage 164. The deck linkage 164 is also coupled to an attachment plate 166 extending from a top surface of the cutter deck 108 near the front of cutter deck 108. While FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 only show a single mounting block 162, a single bell crank 160, etc., it is to be understood that each respective side of the cutter deck 108 and each front independent suspension assembly 116, 716 may comprise the same or similar components.

As the mower 100, 700 moves over varied terrain, the respective front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 may allow the front wheel assemblies 122 to independently move upward and/or downward in response to the terrain. Correspondingly, as suspension side arms 148 move upward and/or downward with the vertical motion of front wheel assemblies 122, the mounting blocks 162 and bell cranks 160 also move upward and/or downward. Such upward and/or downward movement also causes the deck linkage(s) 164 to raise or lower at least the front portion of cutter deck 108, thereby allowing at least a portion of the cutter deck 108 proximate to the front wheel assemblies 122 to move upward and/or downward in reaction to corresponding movement of the front wheel assemblies 122. In this way, cutter deck 108 may be able to maintain an even cut over varied or undulating terrain, and undesirable occurrences such as scalping of the ground surface may be avoided.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, it is desirable to strengthen the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 and/or to provide additional structure to which other elements, structure, and devices of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can be coupled. Such additional structure can include one or more plates, rods, bars, tabs, wings, extensions, bosses, platforms, struts, and other framework coupled to the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or the suspension side arm 148, and/or the joint 136. These elements and structure can be coupled to the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or the suspension side arm 148 and joint 136 in any conventional manner, including those manners described above with reference to the connection between the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b, and/or the suspension side arm 148 and/or the joint 136. In some embodiments for example, a support plate can be positioned between any of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and the suspension side arms 148.

Some embodiments of the disclosure include one or more shock-absorbing components that can be coupled between portions of the chassis 112 and one or more wheels to control shock and vibration. For example, referring to FIG. 6, illustrating a perspective view of a portion of a suspension assembly with 4-bar linkage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, some embodiments of each front independent suspension assembly 116 can be connected to a shock absorber assembly, with each shock absorber assembly including a shock absorber 302 and/or a suspension spring 188. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a suspension assembly of the mower 700 embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, but includes the structure of the mower 100 embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 with a different 4-bar linkage (i.e., the suspension arms 744 a, 744 b coupled to joint 136 and suspension arms 746 a, 746 b coupled to a joint 136 can be replaced in FIG. 6 with suspension arms 144 a, 144 b coupled to joint 136 and suspension arms 146 a, 146 b coupled to a joint 136 between each of the embodiments of the mowers 100, 700).

In some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 and the suspension spring 188 can be pivotably coupled between the front frame 114 and the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 to absorb shock transmitted from the wheel assemblies 122 and to bias the front independent suspension assembly 116, 716 in a downward direction. As the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 of the ride-on mower 100 travel in generally upward and downward vertical directions due to the wheel assemblies 122 traversing uneven terrain, the shock absorbers 302 (if used) can dampen the shock delivered to the mower front frame 114, chassis 112, and operator. In some embodiments, this can create a more comfortable ride for the operator, thereby allowing the operator to run the mowers 100, 700 at increased speeds to achieve improved mowing and/or travel efficiency.

The front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can also absorb a significant amount of vertical movement caused by the uneven terrain, thereby preventing much of the vertical movement of the front frame 114 and chassis 112. As a result, vertical movement of the cutter deck 108 can be reduced to improve the cutting performance of the ride-on mower 100. In addition, when one of the front wheel assemblies 122 runs over a large rock, bump, dip, hole, or otherwise experiences a change in elevation causing the wheel assembly 122 to move vertically upward or downward, the improved front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 of some embodiments of the disclosure dampen the effect on the other wheels.

In some embodiments, each front independent suspension assembly 116, 716 may be configured to independently pivot at an angle of up to ±45° relative to chassis 112 and/or frame 114, thereby enabling upward and/or downward displacement of each respective wheel assembly 122 corresponding to the pivot angle. In other embodiments, the pivot angle range relative to chassis 112 may be narrower (e.g., ±15°, ±30°, etc.) and may rely on a variety of factors such as, e.g., length of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and the suspension side arms 148, allotted travel of shock absorber 302 and the suspension spring 188, etc. In this way, each respective wheel assembly 122 is capable of upward and/or downward displacement during travel, with the maximum displacement limited by factors such as the length of the suspension arms 144 a, 144 b, 146 a, 146 b, 744 a, 744 b, 746 a, 746 b and the suspension side arms 148, as well as the allotted travel of shock absorber 302 and the suspension spring 188. In one embodiment, the shock absorber 302 and/or suspension spring 188 may be configured 3 inches of travel, which, in turn, allows for at least ±3 inches of vertical displacement of each wheel assembly 122. However, it is to be understood that this example is not limiting, and lesser or greater vertical displacement is possible in accordance with other embodiments.

Unlike prior suspension designs, which change the angular cant of the wheels through the travel of the suspension, in some embodiments, the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 can limit or eliminate changes in wheel cant throughout the travel of the suspension. That is, the 4-bar linkage configuration of front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716 operates to maintain each front wheel assembly 122 (and joint 136) in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the ground surface, regardless of the position of travel. As a result, wobble of the front wheel assemblies 122 similar to that encountered with shopping cart wheels, which previously occurred due to changes in angular cant of the front wheel assemblies 122 throughout suspension travel, can be limited or completely eliminated. Thus, the wheels maintain better contact with the ground surface, giving the ride-on mower 100 better traction. Furthermore, the substantially vertical orientation of each front wheel assembly 122, regardless of position of travel, also helps to prevent uneven tire wear, which was previously caused by the above-referenced changes in angular cant of the front wheel assemblies due to suspension travel.

In some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can be a conventional hydraulic shock absorber. However, in some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can take a number of other forms, including, without limitation, an air shock, an airbag, a coil, torsion, or other spring, and the like. Although the shock absorber 302 can be coupled in any conventional manner to the front frame 114 and to any part of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716, the shock absorber 302 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 can be coupled at one end to the support plate 179 that extends from the suspension side arm 148, and can be coupled at the other end to the front frame 114 (or a fixture on or extending from the front frame 114). In this regard, in some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can be welded or brazed to the support plate 179 and front frame 114, or can be coupled thereto with bolts, screws, rivets, pins, clips, clamps, or other conventional fasteners, or can be coupled thereto in any other manner desired. In some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can be received through an aperture in the support plate 179 for connection to a bottom or underside portion thereof. In some embodiments, the shock absorber 302 can include a top mount and a bottom mount, where each mount includes an aperture, respectively, to receive fasteners therethrough. In some embodiments, the fasteners (which can be bolts or can be any other conventional fastener) can be received through one or more apertures in the support plate and a bracket extending from the front frame 114 and through the apertures in the top and bottom mounts of the shock absorber 302. In some embodiments such as that shown in the figures, the support plate 179 can be shaped to define a bracket for connection to the bottom mount of the shock absorber 302. Further, in some embodiments, nuts or other fasteners can be employed to secure the fasteners once installed. Additional hardware such as spacers and washers can be employed as needed to couple the shock absorber 302 to the front frame 114 and to the rest of the front independent suspension assemblies 116, 716.

In some embodiments, the suspension spring 188 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 can comprise a coil spring that can be retained in position using various conventional coupling methods in order to bias the rest of the suspension assemblies 116, 716 in a downward direction. In some embodiments for example, the suspension spring 188 can be received upon a spring retainer on the support plate 179 and upon a spring retainer coupled to the front frame 114. In some embodiments, the spring retainers can be clips, clamps, or other elements employed to hold the spring 188 in place. In some embodiments, the spring retainers can be inserts that are received within the ends of each spring 188 and are coupled to the support plate and the front frame 114 in any conventional manner. In other embodiments, the spring retainers can be sockets within which the ends of the springs 188 can be received, or recesses in the support plate 179 and front frame 114 (or structure attached thereto), clamps, brazing, or welds holding either or both ends of the spring 188 in place, and any other conventional holding component for the springs 188. In some other embodiments of the disclosure, as an alternative to connection of a spring retainers directly to the support plate 179 and front frame 114, either or both of these retainers can be coupled to an adjusting element or device for changing the amount of compression of the spring 188. For example, the upper end of the springs 188 in the illustrated embodiments can each seat against an adjusting plate received within a spring seat defined by the front frame 114 or coupled to the front frame 114 in any conventional manner. The spring seat can be provided with an aperture within which is received an adjustment screw or other threaded fastener. The screw can be received through the spring seat aperture and into an aperture in the adjusting plate so that turning the screw causes the adjusting plate to compress or reduce the compression upon the spring 188. If desired, one or more guides can extend from the adjusting plate to be received within extensions of the spring seat aperture or dedicated apertures in order to prevent the adjusting plate from turning with the screw. Once the screw has been turned to move the adjusting plate to a desired position, a nut can be tightened on the screw to hold the screw and adjusting plate in place. Although the spring seat, adjusting plate, adjustment screw, and nut are described above as being associated with an upper end of the spring 188, this type of adjustment mechanism can also or instead be provided on the bottom end of the spring 188. In addition, it should be noted that a number of other spring adjustment mechanisms exist and can be used to adjust compression of the springs 188 in some embodiments of the disclosure. Each of these alternative spring adjustment mechanisms falls within the spirit and scope of some embodiments of the disclosure.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A mower comprising: a frame, the frame comprising a front side and a pair of opposite sides, wherein the front side comprises a front structural member and the pair of opposite sides each comprise a side structural member; a first front wheel assembly; a second front wheel assembly; a first suspension arm pair, the first suspension arm pair comprising: a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the first suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel front assembly, and further wherein the second suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first front wheel assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm; a second suspension arm pair, the second suspension arm pair comprising: a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the third suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second front wheel assembly, and further wherein the fourth suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second front wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm; a first side suspension arm, the first side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the first front wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to one of the side structural members; and a second side suspension arm, the second side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the second front wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to the other of the side structural members.
 2. The mower of claim 1, further comprising a first shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the first front wheel assembly and a second shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the second front wheel assembly.
 3. The mower of claim 2, wherein the first shock absorber assembly is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first side suspension arm, and further wherein the second shock absorber assembly is pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second side suspension arm.
 4. The mower of claim 2, wherein the first shock absorber assembly and the second shock absorber assembly respectively comprise at least one of a shock absorber and a suspension spring.
 5. The mower of claim 1, wherein the front structural member comprises at least one front plate.
 6. The mower of claim 5, wherein the at least one front plate comprises a plurality of mounting locations to allow for varied mounting points for each of the first suspension arm, the second suspension arm, the third suspension arm, and the fourth suspension arm.
 7. The mower of claim 1, wherein both the first suspension arm pair and the second suspension arm pair are configured to independently pivot about the front structural member at an angle of up to ±45° relative to the frame such that each of the first front wheel assembly and the second front wheel assembly are vertically displaceable relative to the frame.
 8. The mower of claim 1, wherein the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm are configured to be parallel to one another when pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the first front wheel assembly, and further wherein the third suspension arm and the fourth suspension arm are configured to be parallel to one another when pivotably coupled at one end to the front structural member and at another, opposite end to the second front wheel assembly.
 9. The mower of claim 1, wherein the first front wheel assembly comprises a first caster wheel assembly having a first ground-contacting wheel, a first yoke supporting the first ground-contacting wheel, a first post vertically extending from the first yoke, and a first joint configured to receive the first post, and wherein the second front wheel assembly comprises a second caster wheel assembly having a second ground-contacting wheel, a second yoke supporting the second ground-contacting wheel, a second post vertically extending from the second yoke, and a second joint configured to receive the second post.
 10. The mower of claim 9, wherein one respective end of each of the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm is pivotably coupled to the first joint of the first caster wheel assembly, and further wherein one respective end of each of the third suspension arm and the fourth suspension arm is pivotably coupled to the second joint of the second caster wheel assembly.
 11. The mower of claim 1, further comprising a cutter deck, wherein the cutter deck is at least partially coupled to the first side suspension arm and the second side suspension arm such that vertical movement of the first side suspension arm or the second side suspension arm enables corresponding vertical movement of at least a portion of the cutter deck.
 12. An independent suspension system for outdoor power equipment, the independent suspension system comprising: a frame, wherein the frame comprises an end structural member and a pair of side structural members, each of the side structural members being located on opposite respective sides of the end structural member; a first wheel assembly; a second wheel assembly; a first suspension arm pair, the first suspension arm pair comprising: a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the first suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel assembly, and wherein the second suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel assembly such that the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm; a second suspension arm pair, the second suspension arm pair comprising: a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the third suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second wheel assembly, and wherein the fourth suspension arm is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second wheel assembly such that the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm; a first side suspension arm, the first side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the first wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to a first one of the pair of side structural members; a second side suspension arm, the second side suspension arm pivotably coupled at one end to the second wheel assembly and at another, opposite end to a second one of the pair of side structural members; a first shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the first wheel assembly; and a second shock absorber assembly configured to absorb shock transmitted from the second wheel assembly.
 13. The independent suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first shock absorber assembly is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first side suspension arm, and further wherein the second shock absorber assembly is pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second side suspension arm.
 14. The independent suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first wheel assembly comprises a first caster wheel assembly having a first ground-contacting wheel, and wherein the second wheel assembly comprises a second caster wheel assembly having a second ground-contacting wheel.
 15. The independent suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first wheel assembly comprises a first drive wheel and the second wheel assembly comprises a second drive wheel.
 16. The independent suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm are configured to be parallel to one another when pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the first wheel assembly, and further wherein the third suspension arm and the fourth suspension arm are configured to be parallel to one another when pivotably coupled at one end to the end structural member and at another, opposite end to the second wheel assembly.
 17. A method of assembling a mower, the method comprising: providing a frame having a front structural member, a first side structural member, and a second side structural member opposite the first side structural member; providing a first front wheel assembly and positioning the first front wheel assembly proximate to the front structural member and the first side structural member; providing a second front wheel assembly and positioning the second front wheel assembly proximate to the front structural member and the second side structural member; pivotably coupling the first front wheel assembly to the front structural member with a first suspension arm and a second suspension arm, wherein the second suspension arm is vertically offset from the first suspension arm; pivotably coupling the second front wheel assembly to the front structural member with a third suspension arm and a fourth suspension arm, wherein the fourth suspension arm is vertically offset from the third suspension arm; pivotably coupling the first front wheel assembly to the first side structural member with a first side suspension arm; pivotably coupling the second front wheel assembly to the second side structural member with a second side suspension arm; providing a first shock absorber assembly, the first shock absorber assembly being configured to absorb shock transmitted from the first front wheel assembly; and providing a second shock absorber assembly, the second suspension mechanism being configured to absorb shock transmitted from the second front wheel assembly.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the frame having the front structural member comprises providing at least one front plate having a plurality of mounting locations to allow for varied mounting points for each of the first suspension arm, the second suspension arm, the third suspension arm, and the fourth suspension arm on the at least one front plate.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a cutter deck.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising coupling the cutter deck to the first side suspension arm and the second side suspension arm such that vertical movement of the first side suspension arm or the second side suspension arm enables corresponding vertical movement of at least a portion of the cutter deck. 